IMO, you have the equivalent of 1 or 2 months on your oil service clock.
So ... just drive it.

 

no

 

Thanks

Got in it this morning and the engine coughed and died ... looks like a flat battery - rescue service on it's way.

 

... looks like a flat battery

If you have to get a new battery, consider getting an ‘Enhance Flooded’ type (EFB). These are typically used in ‘stop/start’ vehicles, but can also be used in regular cars as well.

The benefit is they have more capacity, can handle deeper discharge, but also charge back up quicker. The latter, is the main positive, if doing regular short trips. For me, I also expect the EFB to last a bit longer than a regular replacement.

I put a DELKOR SS95D26LEFB, in my car. It’s slightly larger than the Panasonic that came from the factory, but still fits in the engine bay. I think I just had to shift the plastic battery tray out towards the engine about 5-10mm.

Also a ‘Capacitor Jump Started’, is also handy, should you have a flat Batt in the future. They don’t need to be kept charged up, like the Lithium-ion battery type, they’re lite weight, last a long time, and have a ‘glow’ feature for Diesel engines.

I got mine from Sealey in the UK, or maybe it was McCormicks (but Sealey brand).

 

With those short distances be more worried about the DPF clogging up. You will need the occasional run on a motorway/freeway to clean it. Ignore it and things rapidly get expensive and inconvenient so don't ignore the DPF light if it comes on. Read your manual and be aware of the conditions that cause the light and how to deal with them.

Follow the service intervals specified for the oil.

What work did the mechanics carry out- or try to carry out- it may be important.

 

Thanks for the comments - for some reason I'd missed the notifications, so just catching up.
I did have to have a new battery, but as I needed the car I had to go with the one that the only place answering the phone and able to fit me in that day had on offer. I'll keep the advice in mind for next time though, if/when it occurs!

 

I was aware of the DPF being a possible issue with short journeys - no warning light so far, but I'm keeping my eye on that. I got away with it with my last diesel, although it did get the odd run out up the motorway on family visit duties, etc., which isn't happening at the moment.

The mechanics just tidied up the work that had been done before - mainly tying cables in properly and some proper finishing off of paint work in/ around the engine compartment.

With the backlogs for services at the moment, I probably need to think about getting it booked in for the future, to make sure I get a slot!

Thanks.